The Poisonous Tree of “Good Name”

Euonymus latifolius (L.) Mill. subsp. latifolius
Scientific name:
Euonymus latifolius (L.) Mill. subsp. latifolius
Common name:
Large Spindle
Family:
Celastraceae
Biological form:
Fanerofita cespugliosa/Fanerofita arborea

Characteristics

Habit: Deciduous shrub 1–5 m tall with sparse crown. Leaves large, opposite, finely toothed. Flowers small, greenish. Fruits: Angular capsules with orange arils. Flowering: April–June.

Distribution and habitat

Chorological type: Mediterranean montane. Distribution in Italy: Present in most of the peninsula. Habitat: Shaded forest understory, up to 1200 m.

Etymology

Generic name (Euonymus): From Greek eu (good) and onoma (name), euphemistic. Specific name (latifolius): Means broad-leaved.

Uses and properties

Highly toxic plant with historical medicinal use but dangerous ingestion.